When we look back at history, some cars stood out for introducing features or trends that completely changed the industry. Classic cars such as the Mercedes 300SL and the Porsche 911 are historically important vehicles that remain incredibly relevant nowadays. However, they also come with high price tags, which can put people off from ever buying them.
However, we have found some of the coolest revolutionary cars that are available for $15,000 or less despite being far ahead of their time and still regarded as important classics. Furthermore, even at such low prices, these cars are still available in brilliant condition and are worth looking at if enthusiasts really do want one.
8 Honda Insight Mk1 ($10,000)
The Honda Insight is an incredible revolutionary vehicle. The car is currently in its third generation and is a hybrid electric vehicle. The first generation of the car was launched in 2000 and was based on the Honda J-VX concept car that was released in 1997. It was also the most fuel-efficient gas-fuelled car in the US, and so were later editions of the car until 2016.
The car is revolutionary because it was the first hybrid car you'd actually want to drive and is one of the most efficient cars ever sold in the USA. It also won multiple awards for being environmental and for its engine. The best part nowadays is that the car is available for around $10,000, making it an incredibly cheap revolutionary car.
7 Ford Model T ($10,000)
The Ford Model T is arguably the most important car in automotive history. Being regarded as the first affordable car, it was accessible only to members of the middle class or above. There have been over 15 million Ford Model T cars sold, making it the second best-selling single-model car in the world, after the VW Beetle.
The car is revolutionary for many reasons, and being one of the world's top-sold vehicles isn't exactly easy. However, one can be bought easily for around $10,000, which is amazing considering the history of this car. Just be prepared for the weird controls.
6 1959 Mini ($14,000)
The Mini is an iconic vehicle. It has featured many times in pop culture and has been very influential in the development of the Mini we know today. Being a huge part of 1960s Britain, we see that the Mini has lived on and remains well regarded among enthusiasts.
The car also had two performance versions that were used in racing and were quite successful, with the model winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964. A standard one can be bought nowadays for a nice $14,000 and is definitely worth the consideration of die-hard Mini fans.
5 Citroen DS ($15,000)
Citroen launched the DS in 1955, and it became a hit. The appearance of the car was very futuristic and aerodynamic, coming with highly innovative technology that was considered ahead of its time like hydropneumatic suspension. The car was incredibly iconic through its elegant style and incredible handling.
Being revolutionary, the DS is big in pop culture and it came third in the 1999 Car of the Century poll. For such an amazing car, we would expect extremely high prices, but this definitely isn't the case. For about $15,000, enthusiasts can pick up a basic Citroen DS.
4 Willys MB ($14,000)
The Willys MB vehicle launched in 1940. It is incredibly iconic because of the role that it played in the Second World War. The car was important in supporting the US and the Allies. It was lightweight enough to support the forces and was notably the first mass-produced AWD vehicle.
Due to its engineering, there have been plenty of innovations to come off of the MB since its launch. The same historical parts of the MB can still be found in the Jeep vehicles of today, exemplifying how revolutionary the car is. At the same time, it can be purchased for around $14,000, together with all the history it brings with it.
3 Datsun Roadster ($10,000)
Also named the Datsun Fairlady in Japan and Australia, the Roadster was launched in 1962, and another version came along in 1967. The 1967 version was enhanced and it won multiple championships.
The Roadster is revolutionary because it showed that Japan could make an interesting sports car. While the Datsun 240Z may be more iconic, this little roadster still plays an important part in history and is much better value for money.
2 Lexus LS400 ($10,000)
The Lexus LS400 is incredibly revolutionary. In 1983, Toyota wished to make a car "better than the best in the world." And the car that was produced had to be luxurious and have great handling. The car (and entirely new marque) that came out of this was the Lexus LS400.
Today, these can be found for $10,000, which is little to pay for the car that Toyota worked so hard on that it has received a high status in car culture. The LS400 is highly imported into the US and has proved to be very popular with American citizens.
1 1964 Ford Mustang ($15,000)
Everyone knows the Mustang, and it is popular in car culture around the world, and it is still so popular that there a version of it being made by Ford nowadays. The 1964-1966 Mustang is one of the most revolutionary cars on this list. It was an instant hit when it was launched. The public loved it and there were 400,000 units sold in the first year of its release.
For those versions of the Mustang with the less desirable engines, the price for one is fairly good. Costing around $15,000, enthusiasts can enter the pony car world for good value. Its revolutionary status is impressive among many and it would be great to own one.